NOW THAT SCHOOL IS OUT, VICARI URGES PARENTS TO CHECK MEGAN'S LAW WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION ON SEX OFFENDERS

THE END of the school year is an ideal time to check the Megan's Law website for up-to-date information on known sex offenders, said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari.

"Children are home and will be spending more time outdoors enjoying the summer weather," Vicari said. "For peace of mind, this is an ideal time to review the state's sex offender list for any individuals that may be living in your community."

The database lists up-to-date information on all convicted sex offenders who are residents of the Garden State.

Towns, counties, zip codes and even individual streets can be easily reviewed.

More advanced checks allow users to input the names of convicted sex offenders or check only newer records.

"This only takes a few minutes and can make a big difference in keeping a child safe," Vicari said.

Vicari also suggested periodically checking the Megan's Law database throughout the year.

"It's important to know what dangers a child may encounter when they travel to and from school," he said. "It's also essential that they learn to avoid strangers and how to react if they are approached by an adult they do not know."

If a child is approached by a stranger in a car, they should be taught to run the opposite way - towards the rear of the car. This way, the driver will have to first turn around before they can pursue the child, Vicari said.

The database can be accessed through a link on the Ocean County Government Homepage at www.co.ocean.nj.us. The page can also be accessed directly at www.njsp.org/info/reg_sexoffend.html.